Made a little more progress and learned a couple things in the process.
I loaded the dash with gauges, switches and lights. Then slipped it on for one last look to be sure I liked the layout.
Then all the gauges, switches and lights came back out and I put on my auto upholstery hat. 'Tis a hat that is new to me. This is where the learning came in.
I found some marine grade vinyl with a carbon fiber look. Figured I pull out the old portable sewing machine and stitch up a nice cover.
Things I learned:
- Sewing a straight line looks easier than it is (even when you have a line to follow)
- Sewing vinyl is not like sewing cloth
- If you screw up, you can't just rip out the seam and try again (the needle holes are forever and serve nicely for tearing on the dotted line.
- Even with the right needle, thread and settings, my machine just doesn't cut it.
- French seams are for the skilled, not me. Recognizing my limitations, I gave up that idea quickly.
So after a lot of testing on scraps and starting over a couple times, I got a cover I could use.
Carefully applying spray adhesive and working the cover into place one section at a time, I got it done.
Cut the holes in the vinyl, reinstall the gauges, switches and lights and Bam! a dash I can live with.
I still have a few details to clean up around the edges and where the cage comes through on each side. But I'm pretty satisfied with the results.
I'll hang on to the paper templates I made just in case.
